Arboriculture Courses at DCG

Are you interested in conservation and environmental issues? Do you enjoy working outdoors? Are you physically fit with a good head for heights? Derby College will put you on the ladder to a successful career in arboriculture.

Strong roots for a rewarding career

Around 12% of our entire country is made up of trees, so there is a lot of potential if you’re keen to work in arboriculture. From felling dangerous trees to diagnosing common diseases, arboricultural workers carry out wide-ranging jobs to care for both countryside and urban environments.

To give you a foothold in the industry – and help you progress to more demanding and technical roles – Derby College offers a Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, together with apprenticeship opportunities.

Is this you?

• Enjoy working outside
• Enthusiasm for the countryside, conservation and recreation issues
• Practical and mechanical skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Effective communication and ‘people’ skills
• If going into arboriculture – a head for heights and physical fitness
• If promoting environmental conservation – the ability to explain technical and scientific issues to various audiences

Getting into environmental careers

• Full time at College You will find a full range of Conservation, Countryside and Arboriculture courses at Derby College.
• ApprenticeshipsDerby College offers an intermediate and an advanced apprenticeship in Arboriculture. These give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in this field, alongside a recognised qualification
• Higher education To do some roles in this sector – such as countryside officer – it is an advantage to have a relevant degree as competition for jobs is strong. You can take a full-time course or study part time alongside a job. Possible degree subjects might include Environmental Management, Ecology and Geography. It’s always helpful to get some work experience in your chosen area as well as gaining qualifications.
• Jobs You can go straight into a post such as field, estate or forestry worker, then train on the job and complete work-based qualifications. Although there are no set academic entry requirements for a role such as arboricultural worker, employers might prefer people with some GCSEs. For many jobs in the sector, emphasis for entry is based on your skills, qualities and, importantly, any relevant experience you’ve had. You can gain such experience through taking a fulltime course or an apprenticeship. It is also helpful to build up practical experience by seeking out volunteering opportunities with organisations such as the National Trust, the Wildlife Trust and Groundwork.

Why choose Derby College?

• You’ll hone your skills in the ancient woodlands, farmland and gardens of our Broomfield Hall Campus, which features a variety of rare trees.
• Every day is different on our courses: you’ll be challenged to use your initiative to solve real problems in the environment.
• We offer opportunities for work experience in the land-based industries to give you even more hands-on estate skills.
• Our expert team delivers full training in the safe use of specialist equipment such as chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.
• You’ll gain enterprise skills and business know-how which could help you set up your own venture.

At Derby College, you’ll gain a thorough grounding in both the science and practice of arboriculture and forestry management. You’ll be equipped for roles with contractors, landscaping firms, local authorities, and private estates.